Importance

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Abstract

A redundant sensing edge for a door causes a closing door to open by actuating a device upon force being applied to the sensing edge. The sensing edge includes a flexible air-impervious elongate outer sheath which is compressible upon application of external pressure. A substantially sealed air-impervious first chamber is positioned within the elongate sheath. A pressure-sensitive switch is in fluid communication with the first chamber for sensing pressure change within the chamber, such that upon application of external pressure to the sheath, the pressure switch is actuated. A second chamber is positioned within the sheath proximate the first chamber. A switch is positioned within the second chamber and includes a first generally cylindrical layer of resiliently compressible material, a first generally cylindrical layer of electrically conductive material, a generally cylindrical layer of non-conductive material, a second generally cylindrical layer of electrically conductive material, a second generally cylindrical layer of resiliently compressible material and a generally cylindrical support member layered in the recited order. Upon application of external pressure to the sheath, a portion of at least one of the first and second layers of electrically conductive material deflects into an opening in the layer of non-conductive material and makes electrical contact between the first and second layers of electrically conductive material to thereby actuate the device.

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First Claim